Moscow’s Pioner Cinema Let Off the Hook for Showing ‘Death of Stalin’

Feb. 14, 2018

Russia’s Culture Ministry has withdrawn a request to punish a Moscow cinema for showing a satirical film about Stalin.

The ministry withdrew the license for “The Death of Stalin” two days before its premiere in January after public figures argued it insulted the country’s Soviet legacy.

Cinemas which showed the movie by British director Armando Iannucci, would be fined, the ministry warned.

Moscow’s historic Pioner cinema, however, went ahead with screenings, triggering police to visit the cinema at a screening and question staff.

At a court hearing on Wednesday, the ministry retracted its request to fine Pioner, the Vedomosti business daily reports.

Instead, Pioner on Tuesday was handed a fine of 80,000 rubles (almost $1,400) for showing the French film “Stalin’s Couch” — starring Russian citizen Gerard Depardieu — without a license.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue